“We will pass the guard on Magdalen Bridge as minstrels on our way to perform at Cowley. Do you by chance know any carols?” “I know one,” said Gabriel, beginning to hum the air of the Bosbury Carol. “That will do. I know the tune, and will catch up the words of the chorus, and, with the lute to twang an accompaniment, we shall make a brave show. Sandy, you will pick up any money that the good Christians throw to us.” “But sir, I see the watchman coming,” said Sandy, apprehensively; “for Heaven’s sake, let us hide in yon archway.” “Nay; no skulking,” said Humphrey, “let us put a bold face on it, and say we have come to sing.” So saying, he turned in at the gateway of Merton, cheerfully twanging his lute. The porter encountered them with a face of astonishment. “Now then, you fellows, what are you about? Don’t you know that His Majesty the King visits the Queen’s apartments?” “Why, to be sure, master,” said Humphrey, assuming the dialect of a countryman. “And we have orders to sing in the quad. You’ll not be denying us poor folk our chance of earning a groat in these cruel hard times.” “Well, well,” said the porter, good-humouredly, “Christmas is Christmas, and as you say, the times are hard. But see there’s no brawling or drinking or unseemly noise.” “Master we be the most mannerley minstrels in the shire,” said Humphrey, touching his hat obsequiously as he passed on. “And that be true as the Gospel.” “This will stand us in good stead when we get to the Bridge by-and-by,” he added, in a low voice. “Let us cross to yonder window above the archway, the lights are brightest there, and doubtless the Queen holds her Christmas festivities within.” Gabriel, feeling after his long imprisonment in the Castle like one in a dream, fearing every minute lest he should wake and find this strange adventure unreal, crossed the snowy quad, and at a nod from his companion began to sing the Bosbury Carol, Humphrey cleverly putting in an effective accompaniment on the lute. Out into the still frosty air rang the quaint old words, and feverish excitement gave strength to the voice of the half-starved prisoner. When we were all, through Adam’s fall, Once judged for to die; And from all mirth brought to the earth, To dwell in misery; God pitied then His creature man, In Scripture as you may see, And promised that a woman’s seed Should come for to make us free. Oh! praise the Lord with one accord, All you that present be; For Christ, God’s Son, has brought pardon, All for to make us free.